sticky focus ring in cold weather

This thread can probably be put to rest. We're stuck with a focus ring that doesn't function well in cold weather, nothing else can be done, it was a flub on Panasonic's part. Leave it at that.
 
One of the only solution I would recommend is to get your hands on an external focus ring to plug in the remote jack at the back of the camera when you know you are in that situation ...
 
operating temp?

operating temp?

Sorry, I read about half this thread and couldn't find the answer I need. Is there any inherant danger in subjecting my HVX200 to frigid temperatures for a long period of time? I have a client wanting to tape outdoors for full 10 hour days in Manitoba and the temp is currently about -25 Celcius. Could the camera get damaged from this and would P2 be a better option than tape? It's only going to be an SD project so either works for me.
 
I've shot with my HPX170 in -55F (-48C) weather, that is damn cold, and had no problems shooting to P2 cards. Forget about using the focus ring in temps below 32 degrees though, it's tricky.
 
Shot several days straight outside in Saskatchewan, -30ºC and below. Cameras (x2) got filled with snow at several points (shooting Dog sledding, snowmobiling), never had a problem with the camera or the focus ring.
Did have to leave the cameras on all night at night in the hotel room to dry them out.
 
Is there any inherant danger in subjecting my HVX200 to frigid temperatures for a long period of time? I have a client wanting to tape outdoors for full 10 hour days in Manitoba and the temp is currently about -25 Celcius. Could the camera get damaged from this and would P2 be a better option than tape?
Click to expand...
No there is no danger in taking an HVX into the cold; it's the ideal camera for it.

I would recommend P2 over tape, as I've shot at the Iditarod on P2, and the Iditarod shoots everything on P2 now, and Discovery did a six-hour documentary on the Iditarod shot entirely on HVXs, and used P2 for it. So I can guarantee you that P2 will work. Tape may or may not, but P2 definitely will.
 
Just found this thread as it seems to have been revived. Just sharing my experience. I shoot snow sports and I've always experienced this problem with both the HVX and HPX though the HVX focus only drags wile the HPX completely locks up on me at about 10 degrees F. The solution we've found is the same as with cold batteries. Take some gaffe tape and strap a few hand warmers to the focus ring. Problem solved. It's makes it a little awkward to maneuver but beats the hell out of drag.
 
They should release a firmware fix so that when you have the focus ring set to IRIS, the little iris wheel then turns onto a focus wheel.

Doable?
 
Barry_Green said:
Hah! Genius! I shall suggest it to them!
Click to expand...

Great! I'm glad my suggestion is so well liked. Hopefully, Panasonic will think so, too! (And I hope you have enough clout there to persuade them to do this.)

This is my first winter with the HPX170, and this morning at 20-degrees F, the ring was essentially useless. That's when the iris wheel idea hit me.

Surprised this wasn't suggested sooner. Perhaps, tho, I fear, it's not possible, which is why it's not a feature now.
 
i spoke with panasonic germany about this. they told me, its not a bug, its a feature.
the ring would be smoother with this lube and this was a customer request in the past.
 
Here in the North West N Carolina. it was 14 f . I took my new 170 out for 11/2 hours and got to 18f. I did not get the sticky issue. Has anybody tried taking off the hood? :love4:
Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah
Mule
 
Hi all,

Just thought I would chip in on this as I was out in only -3 C yesterday for about 4 hours. The focus ring on my HPX171 certainly showed signs of sticking - not something I have experience before and needed a firmer than fingertip turn to get it moving.

I also came across another problem that may be related. I was shooting garden landscapes and shot various slow zoom outs, pulling out from full zoom to full wide. I started with the subject in sharp focus and intended for the subject to remain in focus for the whole of the zoom. Looking at the shots later in my edit, I'm seeing that the zoom out shots go soft part way through and sharpen up at the end of the zoom. I've never had this happen before. Could this be a 'cold' problem too?

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Gary
 
Panasonic,

GET ON IT.

Love,

All HPX Cold-weather Videographers

(seriously great idea)

jamski said:
They should release a firmware fix so that when you have the focus ring set to IRIS, the little iris wheel then turns onto a focus wheel.

Doable?
Click to expand...
 
Had the clunky focus ring in Copenhagen and I am heading out in a few minutes for ice skating in Yosemite, it is about 22F. I used to not care because I never shot in cold but this year, for some reason, doing lots of HPX170 shooting in the cold so I am on the bandwagon. Yes, this is a PITA issue and Panasonic does need to try to resolve it.

The remapped iris ring is a brilliant idea. If this keeps up, I will have to buy a BeBob Zoe or something like that so that I can focus in the cold.

Dan
 
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